Brilio.net - Most parents ignore dental caries that occurs in children. Not infrequently, caries is considered trivial and can be cured on its own, even though in fact this is not the case. If left unchecked, caries can result in pain, swelling around the teeth, broken teeth, tooth shifting, difficulty chewing, tooth loss and even death. Therefore, as a parent, you must care about the condition of your child's teeth.
Dental caries or cavities is a condition of damage to the enamel (outer layer of teeth) caused by bacteria that produce acid. These bacteria are in the oral cavity and then multiply and eat away at food remains stuck to the surface of the teeth. As a result, the bacteria produce acid which can damage tooth enamel .
Moreover, if teeth are rarely cleaned, the acid produced by bacteria along with food and drink that is continuously consumed can cause tooth minerals to be lost, causing cavities. If a child already has dental caries, this condition must be treated immediately with medical assistance such as fluoride treatment, tooth filling, dental crown installation, root canal treatment, and tooth extraction.
Apart from that, treatment of dental caries in children can be done with the help of natural medicine. So what natural ingredients can help overcome dental caries? Come on, take a look at the review below as reported by brilio.net from various sources, Thursday (3/7).
Natural ingredients that help treat carious teeth in children.
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1. Aloe vera.
Adapting from the American Medical News Today page, one of the natural ingredients that can be used to treat dental caries is aloe vera. Aloe vera plant gel contains ingredients that help fight the bacteria that cause cavities.
This aloe vera antibacterial is effective in preventing the buildup of bacteria in the mouth. This is based on a 2019 study published in the journal National Library of Medicine which explains that the aloe vera plant is indeed rich in benefits and is effective as a disinfectant for cavities. Apart from that, aloe vera can also help reduce the risk of cavities and dangerous bacteria in the mouth.
2. Turmeric.
Next there is turmeric, this spice plant has an active compound, namely curcumin. This compound has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties which can help cure inflammation around the teeth and gums and speed up the caries healing process.
It is quite easy to use by mixing a little turmeric powder and a little coconut oil into a paste. Then, apply the turmeric paste directly to the tooth affected by caries. Leave it for a few minutes then gargle.
3. Green tea.
The green tea plant is known to have various benefits, including helping to overcome dental caries. Green tea contains catechins which are known as powerful antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
So, to treat dental caries in children, use green tea as a mouthwash which can reduce inflammation around the teeth, gums and kill the bacteria that cause caries. Use green tea every morning and evening before bed.
4. Cinnamon powder.
Next there is cinnamon powder which contains active compounds such as eugenol which is analgesic and antimicrobial. The eugenol content can relieve pain caused by dental caries.
Apart from that, this powder is also useful for reducing the growth of bacteria that cause infection. Just mix cinnamon powder with a little honey until it becomes a paste. Apply the cinnamon powder paste to the tooth affected by caries. Leave it for a few moments then gargle.
5. Coconut oil.
Lastly, there is coconut oil. Naturally processed coconut oil is effective in treating dental and oral health problems. How could it not be, coconut oil contains lauric acid which has anti-bacterial and antimicrobial properties. It is not surprising that natural coconut oil is believed to be effective in killing the bacteria that cause tooth caries while reducing inflammation around the teeth.
If you use coconut oil to treat dental caries, you should use the oil as a mouthwash every morning after brushing your teeth. Another option, mix coconut oil with a little baking soda and use it as a natural toothpaste.
Risk factors and symptoms of children developing dental caries.
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Risk of children experiencing dental caries.
1. Too many bacteria in the mouth.
2. Frequently consume foods high in sugar and starch.
3. Not drinking enough water.
4. Too little saliva in the mouth.
5. Poor oral health.
Furthermore, the symptoms of children's dental caries initially do not cause any particular changes. However, as time goes by, several damages appear, including:
1. White plaque appears on the surface of the child's teeth
2. There are yellow or brown spots on the teeth. This is a sign of damage that is starting to develop
3. Teeth start to turn black until they are incomplete. This means that tooth decay has occurred.
How to prevent dental caries in children.
photo: freepik.com
1. Build children's habit of brushing their teeth from an early age.
2. Usually use toothpaste that contains fluoride. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), children under 3 years old can use children's toothpaste.
3. Be a good example for children by regularly brushing their teeth in the morning and evening before bed.
4. Avoid foods and drinks that are high in sugar and salt.
5. Get your children used to eating healthy.
6. Regularly check with the dentist.